it always amazes me when i find a new craft, it’s like how did i survive without knowing this? you can purchase porcelain paint pens from any craft store (like michaels or a.c. moore) and get to creating your own pottery in no time. draw on your design, bake it in your conventional oven at 300°f for 30 minutes and you’re done! (i also read that it’s good practice to place your piece in the oven at room temp, let them preheat together, then cool off together before removing).

and the best part is? you don’t even have to be an artist! all you have to do is doodle, write, scribble, or play. i love projects that allow you to turn thrifted, boring or inexpensive pieces into personalized art- and this one definitely qualifies.

Comments

these designs are just fabulous. i once drew an illustration of the little prince on a vase for my mom. unfortunately the decor didn’t last so long. do you have a good recommendation for good pens that last?

Ooh, these are fun! I used a plate a decorated in a listing in my shop, here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/37028268/its-raining-cute .. You can’t really see that much, but it’s a small saucer, and I made a matching teacup (super cute!) and salad plate. It’s a great and easy project, thanks for sharing Bonnie! :)

Such a great idea! I can think of so much to do with these. I did notice on the Dick Blick website that they are not recommended for surfaces that come into contact with food:http://tinyurl.com/dmcgal
Did you find some that can?

All of the porcelain paint pens I’ve seen say NOT to use them on surfaces that come into contact with food.

I think this is a wonderful idea for the lower outside of bowls and cups and for the outside of teapots, sugar bowls and creamers. The pictures in the article show that the decorations can be simply adorable.

I’m also thinking ‘How did I not know about this???’ This is amazing! I’ve never seen these paints before, now I must look.

deborah |
July 24, 2011|

You need to tell people that these paints are not food safe and should not come in contact with food if you intend to eat it. If you decorate a tea or coffee cup the design must be at least an inch from the rim to avoid your lips coming in contact.

hi deborah, thank you for your suggestion. some are food safe and others are not, so i have advised people to check thoroughly with their brand before using. thanks again!

Jillian S. |
October 16, 2011|

I emailed a company that has food safe porcelain markers (mentioned earlier by mert) and they said that not only are the markers they sell food safe, but they were told by their supplier that you can’t get the food safe markers in the US – the supplier has been looking for a manufacturer here and can’t find one. I have looked in stores and on-line and I can’t find anything else, so they may be right!http://www.settocelebrate.com/porcelain-paint-markers.html

This is SUCH a cute idea. I also think it would be a great DIY party. Everyone could go home with their own plate!

katie sykes |
February 6, 2012|

if you are using PORCELAINE PAINT PENS, THEY ARE NOT FOOD SAFE. fyi. The only food safe porcelain paint pens are Porzellanmalstift, a German made paint pen. They are hard to find in the U.S. … just thought I would let you know. I had to scrape off a lot of paint from my dishes that I decorated with PORCELAINE brand paint. All PORCELAINE paint pens are not food safe.

mogtaba daneshvar |
June 18, 2012|

very good

willa may |
November 14, 2012|

can’t find fine point pens that I like to work with. Porcelain 150 does not last without drying each time I use a new one. what do you suggest? also, I don’t like some of the colors that are in the paint pens. have you used another brand?

Mandy |
November 19, 2012|

Okay, I see that the PORCELAIN pens are not food-safe, but what about CERAMIC? Or am I ignorant and they’re the same thing?? Does anyone know anything about the craft smart paint pens found at Michaels?

I was thinking of making some personalised mugs or something as Christmas presents. I stumbled onto your blog whilst looking for recommendations for ceramic pens. Loving all the feedback and info in the comments…….and the cute ideas I’ve gotten from your photos!

Joseph |
December 4, 2012|

So … I read a statement from Pebeo that their paint is completely non-toxic and safe. But I’ve read on several blogs that you should NOT use these paints for areas where food or drink will come in contact. I realize some paints are different, but if something like the Pebeo paint pens are permanent and non-toxic … how is it not safe to use the paint on a plate or glassware? Is everyone just being way too careful or am I missing something? To be fair, Pebeo says it’s paints are totally safe, but they also say it shouldn’t be used on the surface where food or drink contact. How can it be totally safe and non-toxic but unsafe to use with food? Can anyone explain?

luna |
January 5, 2013|

One question:
once you finish the ‘painting’ job, you need to take the pieces back to fire right?
Otherwise the colours won’t stay.
Any advise on that? temperatures and so on?
Thank you.

hey luna! the glory of these pens is that you just do it right in your oven. each pen will have specific instruction on it. :)

luna |
January 6, 2013|

Thank you! I did search a bit more. I live in Asia so chances of buying the pens will have to be online; Still looking for an alternative closer to home. Anything I find, will share here for others.
Beautiful work by the way…

Basically it says that the Pebeo paint pens are non toxic and safe for food, but not recommended on surfaces that you would eat off of with silverware. This is because the paint can be scratched or chipped with metal utensils and bacteria can grow under the edges of the damaged paint, causing sickness, etc.

Angela |
March 13, 2013|

So my question is what about the inside of the cup. Like on the inside top lip, kind of smallish to say “Its Bigger on the Inside…”
I see that it often says not for forks and knives, but what about getting wet?
I’m trying to make a custom Doctor Who themed tea set for my sister in law’s 21st birthday.

Wonderful blog! I love decorating with porcelain pens, the designs are endless and lots of fun to make! It’s great seeing what everyone has done with their pieces. I have a number of pieces I have created that are in our Etsy store. Check them out if you have time:

hi rt! the website says that they are dishwasher safe. have lots of fun!

Patricia |
July 29, 2013|

My daughter wants to do plates at her wedding instead of a traditional wedding guest book. She took back the plates she bought at BBB because they were too expensive & plans on buying cheaper fancier plates at T.J. Maxx. Do these porcelain markers works on any kind of plate? Thanks.

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